Shoplifting trends have been making headlines across Canada as retail theft continues to spike. From small family-run stores to large retail chains, no business seems immune. The rise in shoplifting statistics is alarming and reveals changing behaviors, new tactics, and concerning demographic patterns. This blog explores the latest shoplifting trends, dives into shoplifting statistics by year, and highlights key shoplifting facts and statistics that every Canadian retailer should know. 

Understanding Shoplifting Trends in Canada

Over the past few years, shoplifting trends in Canada have evolved drastically. What was once considered petty crime has now turned into a large-scale issue affecting the retail industry’s bottom line. Retailers are now focusing more on loss prevention, data collection, and technology to combat this wave.

According to recent retail shoplifting statistics, there has been a 30% increase in theft-related incidents in major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. The shoplifting crime statistics reflect a growing concern for both small and large retailers, especially post-pandemic, as economic pressures rise.

Shoplifting Statistics by Year: A Historical Perspective

Let’s look at shoplifting statistics by year to understand how trends have shifted:

• 2019: Shoplifting was relatively stable, with minimal year-on-year changes.
  
  

• 2020: Slight dip due to store closures during COVID-19 lockdowns.
  
  

• 2021-2022: Sharp rise as stores reopened and economic hardship grew.
  
  

• 2023: Police reports across Canada indicated a 40% increase in shoplifting cases from the previous year.
  
  

• 2024: The upward trend continues, with analysts expecting a new record in shoplifting crime statistics.
  
  

These US shoplifting statistics are similar in trend to what’s happening in Canada, showing that retail theft is not confined to one region but part of a global retail challenge.

Retail Shoplifting Statistics in Canada: What’s Happening?

Retail shoplifting statistics reveal some hard truths:

• The average theft per incident in Canada now exceeds $500, compared to just $150 five years ago.
  
  

• Convenience stores, pharmacies, and clothing retailers are most frequently targeted.
  
  

• Organized retail crime is responsible for nearly 35% of reported shoplifting statistics.
  
  

These shoplifting trends point to a shift from spontaneous thefts to more planned and group-oriented operations. Retailers must adapt to these changing dynamics with smarter security solutions.

Shoplifting Statistics by Age Group: Who’s Stealing?

One of the most surprising shoplifting facts and statistics is who commits these crimes. Let’s break down shoplifting statistics by age:

• Under 18: Account for 25% of all cases. Often impulsive or peer-driven.
  
  

• 18–35: Represent the largest group, contributing to over 45% of shoplifting cases.
  
  

• 35–50: Approximately 20%, typically tied to financial stress or addiction.
  
  

• 50 and above: Only 10%, but this number is growing steadily.
  
  

Understanding shoplifting statistics by age helps retailers tailor prevention tactics for specific demographics.

Shoplifting Statistics by Gender: A Changing Narrative

The common stereotype used to associate shoplifting more with women, but recent shoplifting statistics by gender tell a different story:

• Male offenders: Now account for 60% of shoplifting cases.
  
  

• Female offenders: Make up the remaining 40%, with cases often involving household goods or personal items.
  
  

These shoplifting trends reflect broader socioeconomic pressures and debunk long-held assumptions. Insights from shoplifting statistics by gender can help tailor security measures and training for retail staff.

Shoplifting Statistics by State and Province: Regional Insights

In Canada, shoplifting statistics by state (or province) show sharp variations:

• British Columbia: Leads the country with the highest per capita theft.
  
  

• Ontario: Major cities like Toronto have seen a 35% increase year-over-year.
  
  

• Alberta and Quebec: Both have reported significant rises, especially in high-traffic malls.
  
  

Comparing this to US shoplifting statistics, Canadian provinces are seeing similar or even higher spikes in urban areas, indicating the need for stronger preventive infrastructure.

The Bigger Picture: Shoplifting Facts and Statistics That Matter

Here are some shocking shoplifting facts and statistics every Canadian retailer should be aware of:

• 1 in 11 people admit to shoplifting at some point.
  
  

• Over $1 billion is lost annually in Canada due to shoplifting.
  
  

• Only 1 in 50 shoplifters are caught.
  
  

• Of those caught, only half are reported to police.
  
  

These shoplifting statistics emphasize the gap between incidents and enforcement. Retailers are investing in AI surveillance, facial recognition, and undercover staff to stay ahead of the game.

Final Thoughts: Staying Ahead of Shoplifting Trends

It’s clear that shoplifting trends in Canada are not just a passing phase. With data from shoplifting statistics by year, shoplifting statistics by age, and shoplifting statistics by gender, we now understand the problem is bigger and more complex than ever.

Whether you’re a retail owner in Vancouver or a security analyst in Toronto, being aware of the latest shoplifting trends can help you build a better, safer retail experience. Stay informed, invest in prevention, and leverage these insights to protect your business.

FAQs: Shoplifting Statistics and Trends in Canada

Q1: What are the latest shoplifting trends in Canada?
The latest shoplifting trends show a rise in organized retail theft, higher-value thefts, and an increase in theft by adults aged 18–35.

Q2: How do Canadian shoplifting statistics compare with US shoplifting statistics?
US shoplifting statistics show similar trends, but major Canadian cities are seeing higher theft rates per capita in some areas.

Q3: Which age group is most involved in shoplifting?
According to shoplifting statistics by age, individuals aged 18–35 account for the largest percentage of incidents.

Q4: Are men or women more likely to shoplift?
Shoplifting statistics by gender indicate that men are now more likely to be involved in shoplifting than women.